People hiking through lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Beaches, Parks & Gardens

Think “beach day,” Keys-style. Here, sandy stretches pop up in a few special spots, but most water access comes with a twist—limestone rocks, shady mangroves, and clear shallows that feel like your own natural swimming pool. Add in tropical gardens, local parks and playgrounds, and trails perfect for wandering, and you’ve got plenty of ways to play outside. From state parks to secret picnic spots, these listings prove you don’t need miles of sand to enjoy paradise—you just need a sunblock and a little curiosity.

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Key West

William Bill Butler Park

Bill Butler Park — neighborhood playground and picnic spot in Key West, Florida.

Key West

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters

Climb 88 steps for sweeping views, explore historic keeper’s family quarters, and learn about maritime heritage at the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum.

The Lower Keys

Bernstein Park

Bernstein Park on Stock Island is a vibrant community recreation area featuring baseball, soccer, and basketball fields, playgrounds, a fitness court, and a community center—all open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Key West

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — a tropical glass-domed haven where hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and flamingos enchant visitors in the heart of Key West.

Key West

Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Garden

Discover the Little White House’s butterfly garden, dedicated to First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The Lower Keys

Blue Hole Observation Platform

Visit the trail and observation deck at Blue Hole, a cenote-like pond that is the largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys.

The Lower Keys

National Key Deer Refuge

National Key Deer Refuge protects the endangered Key deer and native ecosystems in the Lower Florida Keys — a sanctuary of nature you can explore via trails and observation points.

The Lower Keys

Big Coppitt Volunteer Fire Department Park

The park includes a basketball court, roller hockey rink, and a handball court. There are six tables and benches available for use.

Key West

Sunset Pier

Ocean Key Legacy Resort & Bar — iconic Key West destination featuring the famed Sunset Pier with cocktails, live music & nightly views.

The Lower Keys

Big Pine Key Park

Big Pine Community Park is a vibrant, waterfront recreation hub on Big Pine Key, offering tennis, basketball, bocce, a skate park, playgrounds, a fitness trail, and a spacious community center.

Key Largo

MOTE Key Largo Coral Nursery

Mote Marine Laboratory’s Florida Keys Research Campuses are dedicated to coral reef science and restoration.

Key West

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is a parrot sanctuary and environmental art garden in Key West that rescues, rehabs, and educates about parrots, especially macaws.